Department for Transport

*No heading*

marquess of lothian: Her Majesty's Government what meetings they have held with representatives of the insurance industry to address rises in car insurance policy premiums faced by drivers.

lord callanan: The Department for Transport has held a number of recent discussions with the motor insurance industry, for example to discuss young driver safety and technology measures, and changes to the personal injury discount rate which affect on the cost of insurance. The Queen’s Speech, on 21 June, confirmed that a Civil Liability Bill will be introduced to tackle the continuing high number and cost of whiplash claims and to help reduce motor insurance premiums. The pricing of insurance products is a commercial matter for individual insurers in which the Government does not seek to intervene.

*No heading*

baroness randerson: Her Majesty's Government whatassessment they have made of the impact of the expected reduction in maintenance and renewals towards the end of Control Period 5 on the UK railway network.

lord callanan: We expect the Office of Rail and Road to have oversight of this and to take action as necessary in relation to any consequential issues concerning rail operations.

*No heading*

baroness randerson: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the National Infrastructure Pipeline's forecast of falls in demand of 15 per cent for track, signalling and consultancy works for the remainder of Control Period 5.

lord callanan: We expect the Office of Rail and Road to have oversight of this and to take action as necessary in relation to any consequential issues concerning rail operations.

*No heading*

baroness randerson: Her Majesty's Government whether the company listed as DfT OLR Holdings Ltd is a formal part of the Department of Transport and, if so, what is the role of that company and what is the role of the civil servants listed as its directors.

lord callanan: DfT OLR Holdings Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary company of the Department for Transport. It is a shelf company that forms part of the Department’s standby arrangements and could be activated in the event that the Secretary of State is required to discharge his duties under Section 30 of the Railways Act 1993. The Civil Servants listed as Directors are Statutory Directors for the purposes of the Companies Acts. In the event that the company needed to be enlivened the Department’s intention is to replace the existing Directors with suitably qualified railway professionals.

*No heading*

lord rosser: Her Majesty's Government whether they have had any approaches, either formal or informal, from the operator of the East Coast Mainline franchise about possible revision or renegotiation of the terms of the franchise; and, if so, (1) what has been the basis put forward by the operator for raising the issue of revision or renegotiation and, (2) what was their response.

lord callanan: We monitor all franchises and are in regular discussions with franchise operators over performance of their contractual obligations. This includes discussions with Virgin Trains East Coast about the performance of the East Coast franchise. We are unable to comment on the details of any such discussions due to their commercial nature.

*No heading*

lord eames: Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to esure that there are adequate air transport connections between major citiesin the UK.

lord callanan: The Government recognises that regional air connectivity across the UK is very important and airports support regional economies, create skilled employment opportunities and enable business and leisure travel. However, the UK aviation market operates in a competitive, commercial environment; it is therefore for airlines to determine which routes they operate. The Government provides financial support through Public Service Obligations (PSO) in a limited number of cases to ensure that all regions of the UK maintain air connectivity to the capital, which include: £2.85million for a two-year PSO route between Dundee and London Stansted Airport;£2.87million for a four-year PSO route between Newquay Cornwall and London Gatwick Airport; and£3.78 million for a two-year PSO route between City of Derry Airport to London Stansted Airport The Government is also committed to developing a new Aviation Strategy and we will be setting out our proposed approach in due course.

*No heading*

lord kennedy of southwark: Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to increase the number of cyclists outside London.

lord callanan: The Government’s Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy was published in April 2017, and sets out our plans to increase cycling and walking across England. The strategy aims to make cycling and walking the natural choices for short journeys or as part of a longer journey, and identifies £1.2 billion which may be invested in support of this over the five years from 2016/17 to 2020/21. Alongside the Strategy, the Government published guidance for local authorities to help them develop their own local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans, and will be providing further support to local authorities to help them develop these plans.

Home Office

*No heading*

lord green of deddington: Her Majesty's Government how many people, in each of the last five years, were granted indefinite leave to remain or the basis of long residence under Immigration Rule 276B which requires continuous lawful residence in the UK of at least ten years.

baroness williams of trafford: The available information on the total number of grants of settlement in the UK on the basis of long residence, 2004 to 2015, is published in Settlement table se_03 in the Home Office’s ‘Immigration Statistics, January - March 2016’, available from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/615148/settlement-jan-mar-2017-tables.odsNote these data include those granted under both 10 year and 14 year rules. The 14 year rule provision was removed in 2012. People can still benefit from the 14 year provision if they were given limited leave to remain on that basis before 2012, in which case they are granted settlement under transitional provisions.



HL559 - Settlement Table se_03 - Immigration Stats
(Excel SpreadSheet, 693.4 KB)

*No heading*

lord green of deddington: Her Majesty's Government how many people, in each of the last five years, were granted leave to remain on the grounds of private life in the UK under Immigration Rule 276ADE(1).

baroness williams of trafford: Information on the number of extensions of stay granted by category is published in extensions table ex_02_o in the Home Office’s ‘Immigration Statistics, January - March 2017’, available from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-statistics-january-to-march-2017/list-of-tables#extensionsFor the relevant information please see worksheet ex_02_o (column A shows year, column G shows private life grants). 



Table ex_02 - HO Immigration Stats Jan-March 17
(Excel SpreadSheet, 1.41 MB)

*No heading*

lord roberts of llandudno: Her Majesty's Government which local authorities have accepted refugees from Syria; and how many refugees have been taken in by each such local authority.

baroness williams of trafford: Progress on resettlement under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement scheme is indicated in quarterly immigration statistics, and is broken down by each local authority. The last set of statistics, published on 25 May, showed that 7,307 Syrians have been resettled across 235 different local authorities since the scheme began. The statistics are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immigration-statistics-quarterly-release

*No heading*

lord roberts of llandudno: Her Majesty's Government what proportion of those applying for settlement in the UK as refugees have been identified as economic migrants.

baroness williams of trafford: A grant of leave as a refugee (as identified by the 1951 Geneva Convention) will not be granted to those who are claiming for economic reasons only. The way in which reasons for refusal of asylum claims are stored means that it is not possible to provide a breakdown of the number of those identified as claiming as economic migrants; to do so can only be done at disproportionate cost.Details on the number of asylum claims refused each year can be found at:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-statistics-january-to-march-2017

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

*No heading*

lord stoddart of swindon: Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the forecast by Barclay's Analysts that the Hinckley Point nuclear power station project will suffer cost overruns of £4.5 billion and a four year delay for completion, and what would be the cost per megawatt hour (MWH) of electricity if those forecasts were realised.

lord prior of brampton: The Government negotiated a very competitive deal which ensures consumers won’t pay a penny until the station begins generating electricity. Any construction cost overruns or schedule delays are the responsibility of the developer.The Strike price of £92.50 per megawatt hour (2012 prices) set in the Hinkley Point C Contract for Difference will not change as a result of any construction cost increases or delays to completion.

*No heading*

lord stoddart of swindon: Her Majesty's Government whether, in light of forecasts of sharply increased costs and delays to the Hinckley Point nuclear power station project, they will review their support for it and state the estimated cost for bringing the project to an end.

lord prior of brampton: There are no plans to review the Hinkley Point C contract, which the Government believes represents value for money and will deliver a number of benefits including 26,000 jobs and apprenticeships. The developer, NNB is responsible for the project’s funding and construction schedule. Any additional costs incurred are the responsibility of NNBG and will not fall on taxpayers or consumers.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

*No heading*

lord blencathra: Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking in response to the comments of Mr Juncker that the European Parliament was ridiculous.

baroness goldie: No action was taken.

*No heading*

the lord bishop of coventry: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the decision by the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation to ban the Jehovah's Witnesses on the grounds that the groupis considered to bean extremist organisation.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The UK is deeply concerned by the dismissal of an appeal against the decision of Russia's Supreme Court to categorise the Jehovah's Witnesses as extremists. This ruling effectively criminalises the peaceful worship of some 175,000 Russian citizens and is at odds with the right to religious freedom which is enshrined in the Russian Constitution.I issued a statement on 18 July expressing our concerns. We have raised this issue with the Russian Government and continue to call on them to uphold their commitment to this basic freedom in international fora, including in the Council of Europe.

*No heading*

the lord bishop of coventry: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the situation facing Bahá'ís and other religious minorities in Yemen.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Government is concerned about the situation faced by the Bahá'ís in Yemen. This is particularly the case in areas under the control of the Houthis and forces loyal to ex-president Saleh, where they have faced persecution due to their religious beliefs. The UK has raised the issue with the Government of Yemen and highlighted their plight through public diplomacy. Mr Burt, the Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, also met with representatives of the Bahá'í community on 13 July.

*No heading*

lord judd: Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to improve diplomatic relations and trust between nuclear and non-nuclear weapons states, throughparticipation in relevant negotiations and by stimulating dialogue.

baroness goldie: We discuss nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament frequently with a wide range of partners across the international community through UK Embassies overseas, with Embassies in London, in international organisations, and directly between capitals. We attended the first Preparatory Committee for the 2020 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in Vienna in May, where we engaged with a wide range of states on how we can together tackle the challenges we face on non-proliferation and disarmament, and enable access to the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

*No heading*

lord judd: Her Majesty's Government what preparations they are making for their representation and participation at the 2018 UN High Level Conference on nuclear disarmament.

baroness goldie: The Government firmly believes that the best way to achieve a world without nuclear weapons is through gradual multilateral disarmament negotiated using a step-by-step approach and within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. We will consider our approach to the 2018 UN High Level Conference closer to the time.

*No heading*

lord judd: Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to support victim-centred accountability arrangements within the UN, to ensure that peace-keepers found guilty of sexual abuse are punished.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The UK fully supports the UN Secretary-General's zero tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by peacekeepers and his new approach to prioritise victims. The UK has made it a priority to tackle the abhorrent actions of these individuals which we unequivocally condemn. Where allegations are made against troops, the country that provided those troops must carry out investigations promptly, transparently and report their findings to the UN. The UK has provided £2 million of funding to the UN to implement the Secretary General's programme of action on prevention, enforcement and remedial action of SEA. We provide training on this issue to our own peacekeepers and to other countries who contribute peacekeepers. Furthermore since the inception of the office of the UN's Special Co-ordinator on Improving the UN's Response to SEA, we have provided funding to support its work.

*No heading*

lord wigley: Her Majesty's Government whether they have made any representations to the government of Spain concerning judicial independence in Spain in relation to the rights of citizens in Catalonia, including those who also have UK citizenship.

baroness goldie: We have not made any representations to the Spanish government on this issue. The UK is clear that questions related to Catalonia are a matter for the Government and people of Spain, and there needs to be respect for the laws and Constitution of Spain. As for UK citizens in Catalonia, they enjoy the same constitutional rights as UK citizens in any other autonomous community of the Kingdom of Spain.

*No heading*

lord wigley: Her Majesty's Government in which cities within the EU, other than capital cities,UK consulates are located.

baroness goldie: UK consulates are located in the following locations in the EU, outside capitals:CROATIABritish Consulate SplitFRANCEBritish Consulate BordeauxBritish Consulate MarseilleGERMANYBritish Consulate General DusseldorfBritish Consulate General MunichGREECEBritish Vice Consulate CorfuBritish Vice Consulate CreteBritish Vice Consulate RhodesBritish Honorary Vice Consulate ZakynthosITALYBritish Consulate General MilanNETHERLANDSBritish Consulate General AmsterdamPORTUGALBritish Vice Consulate PortimãoSPAINBritish Consulate AlicanteBritish Consulate General BarcelonaBritish Consulate MalagaBritish Consulate IbizaBritish Consulate Las Palmas de Gran CanariaBritish Consulate Palma de MallorcaBritish Consulate Santa Cruz de TenerifeBritish Consulate, Bilbao

*No heading*

lord alton of liverpool: Her Majesty's Government what is their response to the recent statement by the government of the People's Republic of China that the Sino-British joint declaration no longer has any practical significance nor any binding force.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific held a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador on 5 July in which he made clear that the UK Government did not accept the position of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson that the Joint Declaration was an historical document of no practical significance. He stressed, as a guarantor of the Joint Declaration, the UK Government regarded it as legitimate to continue to issue a six-monthly report to the House on Hong Kong affairs.The Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Beijing also raised Her Majesty's Government's concerns with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 5 July stressing that the Joint Declaration is a legally binding treaty, registered with the UN. As a co-signatory, the UK Government is committed to monitoring its implementation closely.

*No heading*

lord alton of liverpool: Her Majesty's Government whether the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has instructed Her Majesty's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China to seek an urgent meeting with thatstate'sForeign Ministry to discuss recent remarks about the status of the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific held a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador on 5 July in which he made clear that the UK Government did not accept the position of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson that the Joint Declaration was an historical document of no practical significance. He stressed that, as a guarantor of the Joint Declaration, the UK Government regarded it as legitimate to continue to issue a six-monthly report to the House on Hong Kong affairs.The Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Beijing also raised the Government's concerns with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 5 July stressing that the Joint Declaration is a legally binding treaty, registered with the UN. As a co-signatory, the UK Government is committed to monitoring its implementation closely.

*No heading*

lord alton of liverpool: Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to ensure that (1) the principles of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, and (2) the Basic Law in Hong Kong, are upheld.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific held a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador on 5 July in which he made clear that the UK Government did not accept the position of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson that the Joint Declaration was an historical document of no practical significance. He stressed that, as a guarantor of the Joint Declaration, the UK Government regarded it as legitimate to continue to issue a six-monthly report to the House on Hong Kong affairs.The Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Beijing also raised HMG concerns with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 5 July stressing that the Joint Declaration is a legally binding treaty, registered with the UN. As a co-signatory, the UK Government is committed to monitoring its implementation closely.To mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I issued a Written Ministerial Statement to the House on 29 June, HLWS17.The UK Government will continue to raise our concerns with the Chinese Government when appropriate to do so, including through our six-monthly reports to the House.Hong Kong's success and stability depend on its high degree of autonomy, independent judiciary and respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law.

*No heading*

lord alton of liverpool: Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of the People's Republic of China to ensure that those pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong who are currently on trial or facing disqualification from taking their seats in the Legislative Council receive a fair and just hearing, and that the rule of law is upheld.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​In November 2016 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office expressed concern at the National People's Congress Standing Committee's decision to express its interpretation of the Basic Law before conclusion of related legal proceedings in Hong Kong. The cases referred to are a matter for the Hong Kong Courts. We believe that the rule of its law remains robust overall thanks in part to its world class independent judiciary.

*No heading*

lord alton of liverpool: Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the current implementation of the one country, two systems principle in Hong Kong, 20 years after the anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: I issued a Written Ministerial Statement on 29 June, HLWS17, to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region which outlined our assessment of the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle, as well as referencing specific concerns over its implementation. The UK believes that it is vital for Hong Kong's continued success that the Special Administrative Region's high degree of autonomy and rule of law are preserved and that the principle of 'One Country, Two Systems' is fully upheld.

*No heading*

lord alton of liverpool: Her Majesty's Government whether they remain fully committed to the Sino-British Joint Declaration; if so, what steps they will take to provide assurance of that commitment (1) within the UK, and (2) to the people of Hong Kong; and what steps they will take to continue to monitor the implementation of the principles set out in the Joint Declaration.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific held a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador on 5 July in which he made clear that the UK Government did not accept the position of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson that the Joint Declaration was an historical document of no practical significance. He stressed that, as a guarantor of the Joint Declaration, the UK Government regarded it as legitimate to continue to issue a six-monthly report to the House on Hong Kong affairs.The Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Beijing also raised the Government's concerns with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 5 July stressing that the Joint Declaration is a legally binding treaty, registered with the UN. As a co-signatory, the UK Government is committed to monitoring its implementation closely.To mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I issued a Written Ministerial Statement to the House on 29 June, HLWS17.The UK Government will continue to raise our concerns with the Chinese Government when appropriate to do so, including through our six-monthly reports to the House.Hong Kong's success and stability depend on its high degree of autonomy, independent judiciary and respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law.

*No heading*

lord ashdown of norton-sub-hamdon: Her Majesty's Government what representations, if any,they are making to the Chief Executive of Hong Kong to take urgent steps to introduce universal suffrage in Hong Kong for the next elections for Chief Executive and the Legislative Council.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​I issued a Written Ministerial Statement to the House on 29 June to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, HLWS17, which outlined our assessment of the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle, as well as referencing specific concerns over its implementation. The UK continues to believe that it is in Hong Kong's best interests that discussion resumes between all parties in Hong Kong in order to make further progress towards a more democratic and accountable system of government, as provided for in the Basic Law.

*No heading*

lord ashdown of norton-sub-hamdon: Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the People's Republic of China regardingthat government'srecent decision to reinterpret the Basic Law and other legislation retrospectively in Hong Kong; and what assessment they have made of the risks to basic freedoms of that reinterpretation.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Foreign Secretary said in the Government's six-monthly report to the House published on 24 February that the UK Government had raised its concerns about the interpretation by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress relating to oath-taking for public servants. We did not question the right of the Standing Committee to issue this interpretation, but were concerned about the timing of its release before the conclusion of related judicial proceedings in the Hong Kong courts. The report has been published electronically in both libraries of the house.I issued a Written Ministerial Statement, HLWS17, to the House on 29 June to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region which outlined our assessment of the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle, as well as referencing specific concerns over its implementation. The UK believes that it is vital for Hong Kong's continued success that the Special Administrative Region's high degree of autonomy and rule of law are preserved and that the principle of 'One Country, Two Systems' is fully upheld.

*No heading*

lord kilclooney: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether Russia has, in the past 12 months,further increased the area of Georgia which it controls; whether there are EU observers on the temporary border between Georgia and that part of Georgia occupied by Russia; and what representations theyhave made to Russia in the past 12 months about encroachments.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: EU Observers (EU Monitoring Mission) patrol the Abkhaz and South Ossetian Administrative Boundary Lines (ABLs) on a daily basis but are not permitted by the de facto authorities or Russian forces to cross over into non Tbilisi Administered Territory, despite it being part of their mandate. There are 12 British nationals working in the EUMM (nine funded by Her Majesty's Government, three by the EU). The British Embassy in Tbilisi receive regular briefings from the EUMM about the situation on the ground. The EUMM has reported an increase in ‘borderisation’ activity such as fencing and signage along the ABLs over the last few months, which we believe run contrary to international efforts to find a sustainable solution.

Department for Education

*No heading*

lord mendelsohn: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Be Real Campaign’s research that 52 per cent of secondary school pupils regularly worry about their physical appearance; and whether they will consider promoting Be Real’s Body Confidence Toolkit for Schools in all schools in England.

lord nash: The Government is supportive of the work of Be Real, and provided initial funding to launch its website. Caroline Dinenage, the previous Minister for Women and Equalities, met with Be Real following the launch of their toolkit, to thank them for their important work and discuss how we can best support young people’s body image. In 2015 the Government funded the PSHE Association to develop and publish key standards on teaching about body image in schools, which I referred to in my previous answer. That includes a list of resources on body image that have been accredited by the PSHE Association, and the Be Real body confidence toolkit has received that accreditation and so is included within the key standards resource. The PSHE Association is a trusted source for teachers and schools, and I am confident that this is an important way to support the promotion of the Be Real resource to schools.

The Senior Deputy Speaker

*No heading*

lord campbell-savours: The Senior Deputy Speaker what was the cost to the House of establishing the parliamentary television channel; and what are the annual costs to the House of maintaining the service.

lord mcfall of alcluith: Parliamentary broadcasting is a shared service hosted by the House of Commons with the House of Lords recharged its share of the costs. The information held by the House of Lords does not separately identify the set-up costs. For 2016-17 the resource costs recharged to the House of Lords totalled £1,104k for Parliamentary Broadcasting and £118k for the Parliamentary Broadcasting ICT Programme. Capital amounts recharged in 2016-17 were £81k for Parliamentary Broadcasting and £465k for the Parliamentary Broadcasting ICT Programme.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Electoral Register: Armed Forces

lord allen of kensington: To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they plan to introduce a new Electronic Communications Code.

lord lexden: Her Majesty's Government what is their estimate of the number of members of the armed forces posted abroad who (1) register to vote, and (2) cast their votes in elections and referendums.

lord lexden: Her Majesty's Government how many members of the armed forces were stationed abroad (1) on the date of the 2016 EU referendum, and (2) on the date of the 2017 general election.

lord lexden: Her Majesty's Government how many postal votes were submitted by members of the armed forces abroad at (1) the 2016 EU referendum, and (2) the 2017 general election.

lord lexden: Her Majesty's Government what percentage of British armed forces posted abroad are on the electoral register.

lord lexden: Her Majesty's Government what is their estimate of the number of members of the armed forces posted abroad who (1) register to vote, and (2) cast their votes in elections and referendums.

lord lexden: Her Majesty's Government how many members of the armed forces were stationed abroad (1) on the date of the 2016 EU referendum, and (2) on the date of the 2017 general election.

lord lexden: Her Majesty's Government how many postal votes were submitted by members of the armed forces abroad at (1) the 2016 EU referendum, and (2) the 2017 general election.

earl howe: In April 2016 (the nearest available data point to the 2016 EU Referendum) there were 10,500 Service personnel stationed overseas and in April 2017 (the closest data point to the 2017 General Election) there were 9,200. However, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not hold information to indicate the numbers or percentage of these personnel who were registered to vote or who actually voted. With regard to postal votes, the MOD does not hold data which would give an accurate analysis of the number of ballot papers submitted by Service personnel, as the voter packs processed by the Department also include the dependents of Service personnel, MOD civilian personnel based abroad and the dependents of civilian personnel. In addition, some personnel may have chosen alternative methods of returning their ballot papers.Registration is a personal matter and personnel are free to decide whether, where and how they register to vote. The MOD works closely with the Electoral Commission to promote awareness among its people of the importance of registering to vote and of the options for doing so. Voter registration campaigns are run yearly within the MOD and the Department has seen a steady rise in the number of Armed Forces personnel who have declared they have registered. The latest version of the Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS, 2017) indicates that 96 per cent of Officers and 81 per cent of Other Ranks who completed the AFCAS were registered to vote. Table B22.1 of the AFCAS provides figures on voter registration by Service and by year from 2013. The Surveys can be found on the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/armed-forces-continuous-attitude-survey-index

Department for Work and Pensions

*No heading*

lord pendry: Her Majesty's Government whether they are considering a review of Carers Allowance to ensure that it is sufficient to meet the financial support needs of carers.

baroness buscombe: This Government recognises and appreciates the valuable support that carers provide to those with care needs. Since 2010 the rate of Carer’s Allowance has increased from £53.90 to £62.70 a week, meaning an additional £450 a year for carers. Carer’s Allowance is excluded from the benefit freeze and is uprated annually in line with the Consumer Prices Index. Carers on low incomes can access other financial support through income-related benefits. Income Support, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit include an additional carer’s premium of £34.95 a week. Universal Credit includes a carer’s element of £151.89 per monthly assessment period. People entitled to Carer’s Allowance or the carer’s element in Universal Credit are not subject to the benefit cap. As society ages and care needs increase, it is important that carers are able to combine caring with paid employment, or return to paid work when their caring duties allow. The Government’s Fuller Working Lives Strategy, published in February 2017, sets out proposals to help carers combine work and care or prepare for returning to the labour market. In addition, earned income up to £116 net a week is ignored for the purposes of Carer’s Allowance. Means-tested benefits and Universal Credit also provide for care to be combined with earnings.

*No heading*

lord farmer: Her Majesty's Government whether they continue to collect data against the family stability indicator measures, in particular (1) the percentage of all children who are not living with both their birth parents, broken down by age of child, and (2) the percentage of children in low income households not living with both parents compared to the percentage of such children in middle to higher income households.

baroness buscombe: The Department for Work and Pension’s publication Improving lives: Helping Workless Families, presented evidence on the root causes of disadvantage and their impact on the outcomes for children. This included nine national indicators to track progress in tackling the disadvantages that affect families’ and children’s lives and replace all the former social justice outcomes framework indicators. A copy of this framework has been attached. One of the new indicators measures parental conflict to reflect evidence that inter-parental relationship quality is of fundamental importance to children’s outcomes, including their mental health, wellbeing and future employment prospects. On the basis of this evidence and after consulting with academics, a new indicator has been developed. This measures quality of the inter-parental relationship among coupled and separated parents as the proportion of children in couple-parent families experiencing relationship distress. Where parents are separated, research suggests that positive involvement from both parents in the child’s life can help address the potential negative impacts of parental separation therefore as a proxy for the quality of relationship between separated parents the proportion of children in separated families who see their non-resident parents regularly is also being measured. The Analysis and Research Pack published alongside Improving Lives, presents an update of the proportion of children in couple-parent families living with parents who report relationship distress, broken down by the age of the child. The measure is not broken down by income.



Social justice outcome framework October 2012
(PDF Document, 142.55 KB)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Public Libraries

baroness miller of chilthorne domer: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what surveys of earthworm populations and diversity in arable soils in England have been carried out since 1996, and for each project what was the contractor's budget, and where the final report can be found on the gov.uk website.

lord mawson: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the appropriateness of the provision of library services in a digital age.

lord mawson: Her Majesty's Government what (1) research they have commissioned, and (2) consultation they have undertaken, in relation to the role of library services in a digital age.

lord mawson: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the appropriateness of the provision of library services in a digital age.

lord ashton of hyde: The Libraries Taskforce, jointly established by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the Local Government Association, published Libraries Deliver: Ambition for Public Libraries in England 2016-2021 in December 2016. This strategy sets out 7 strategic Outcomes that libraries support, one of which is increasing digital access and literacy, and it highlights a range of initiatives through which libraries support digital skills, access, skills and related work. This document was produced following extensive consultation with the sector and stakeholders. The UK Digital Strategy also underlined the importance of libraries as a ‘go to provider’ for digital skills training.

*No heading*

lord wigley: Her Majesty's Government what discussions they had with the Government of Wales prior to the issuing of the statement by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 2 July on the UK's withdrawal from the London Fisheries Convention; and whether the Government of Wales had any input into the contents of that statement.

lord gardiner of kimble: In April this year, my colleague the Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food discussed a range of issues relating to UK fisheries with Ministers from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, including taking back control of UK waters when we leave the EU. Plans to withdraw from the London Fisheries Convention were set out in the Government’s manifesto and so were well known to Ministers of all devolved administrations. The matter was also discussed between Defra and Welsh Government officials.

*No heading*

lord wigley: Her Majesty's Government what representations they have received from the government of Ireland concerning the UK's withdrawal from the London Fisheries Convention.

lord gardiner of kimble: The Secretary of State and the Irish Agriculture Minister, Michael Creed, discussed the UK’s withdrawal from the London Fisheries Convention on 5 July 2017.

Department for Communities and Local Government

*No heading*

baroness hayter of kentish town: Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Bourne of Aberystwyth on 31 October 2016 (HL2373) which stated that, since the last full review of Part B (Fire safety) of the Building Regulations for England in 2006 an impact assessment of subsequent changes to the governance has only been conducted in 2013, whether they will consider the economic and societal impacts of fire when drafting the fire safety provisions of the Building Regulations (Approved document B), given that the Building Act 1984 and the Sustainable and Secure Building Act 2004 allow for regulations covering the design, construction and fittings of buildings to include the health, safety and welfare of persons in the building.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: Changes to the Building Regulations or associated Approved Documents are accompanied by an impact assessment as a matter of course. Including assessment of economic and where relevant, social cost and benefits.

*No heading*

baroness hayter of kentish town: Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Bourne of Aberystwyth on 31 October (HL2374) that they have made no estimate of the economic and environmental costs of fires in domestic buildings, and in the light of the Grenfell Tower fire, whether they will now estimate these costs.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: There will be wide ranging reviews of the wider issues emerging from the Grenfell Tower fire, including a public inquiry.

*No heading*

lord kennedy of southwark: Her Majesty's Government whether they have assessed the extent to whichthe Department for Communitiesand Local GovernmentApproved Document B, which sets down the functional requirements of fire safety, meets present day British Standards; and if not, why not.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: Neither Approved Document B nor any other Approved Documents are designed to meet British Standards. Rather, Approved Document B points to British Standards as a means by which its requirements might be met.

*No heading*

lord shipley: Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to audit the emergency plans of local authorities to ensure thatthey are up–to–date and robust.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: The Government currently does not plan to audit local authorities’ emergency plans. Local authorities, as category 1 responders under the Civil Contingency Act 2004, are subject to the full set of civil protection duties and are best placed to develop appropriate emergency plans based on local risks and needs.

*No heading*

lord stunell: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the costs and benefits of implementing paragraphs 4A and 4B of Schedule 1 of the Building Act 1984, as amended by the Sustainable and Secure Buildings Act 2004, in the light of emerging findings relating to the Grenfell Tower fire.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: Paragraph 4A of Schedule 1 to the Building Act 1984 has been used a number of times to authorise the operation of competent person schemes through amendments to the Building Regulations. Each time it has been used the Department has published an impact assessment setting out the costs and benefits of the additional authorisations.

*No heading*

lord stunell: Her Majesty's Government what budgetary provision has been made for grants to Neighbourhood Forums in the year 2018–19, and what distribution mechanism will be used.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: The Government’s Housing White Paper, Fixing our Broken Housing Market, commits to further funding for neighbourhood planning groups after 2018 so they can access the additional support they might need. Details of the funding arrangements will be announced in due course.

*No heading*

lord farmer: Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth on 20 March (HL 5929), (1) how many local authorities, through the Troubled Families Programme, have included within their aims (where appropriate) the prevention of parents' relationship instability, and (2) what plans they have to ensure that the Troubled Families Programme takes into account the findings set out in Improving lives: Helping Working Families on the impactof parental worklessness, and associated conflict, on families.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: We do not routinely collect information about how many local Troubled Families programmes include the prevention of parents' relationship instability. My department is working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions to help local authorities delivering the Troubled Families Programme do more to tackle worklessness and parental conflict.

Ministry of Defence

*No heading*

lord lexden: Her Majesty's Government what percentage of British armed forces posted abroad are on the electoral register.

lord lexden: Her Majesty's Government what percentage of British armed forces posted abroad are on the electoral register.

lord lexden: Her Majesty's Government what is their estimate of the number of members of the armed forces posted abroad who (1) register to vote, and (2) cast their votes in elections and referendums.

lord lexden: Her Majesty's Government how many members of the armed forces were stationed abroad (1) on the date of the 2016 EU referendum, and (2) on the date of the 2017 general election.

lord lexden: Her Majesty's Government how many postal votes were submitted by members of the armed forces abroad at (1) the 2016 EU referendum, and (2) the 2017 general election.

lord lexden: Her Majesty's Government what is their estimate of the number of members of the armed forces posted abroad who (1) register to vote, and (2) cast their votes in elections and referendums.

lord lexden: Her Majesty's Government how many members of the armed forces were stationed abroad (1) on the date of the 2016 EU referendum, and (2) on the date of the 2017 general election.

lord lexden: Her Majesty's Government how many postal votes were submitted by members of the armed forces abroad at (1) the 2016 EU referendum, and (2) the 2017 general election.

earl howe: In April 2016 (the nearest available data point to the 2016 EU Referendum) there were 10,500 Service personnel stationed overseas and in April 2017 (the closest data point to the 2017 General Election) there were 9,200. However, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not hold information to indicate the numbers or percentage of these personnel who were registered to vote or who actually voted. With regard to postal votes, the MOD does not hold data which would give an accurate analysis of the number of ballot papers submitted by Service personnel, as the voter packs processed by the Department also include the dependents of Service personnel, MOD civilian personnel based abroad and the dependents of civilian personnel. In addition, some personnel may have chosen alternative methods of returning their ballot papers.Registration is a personal matter and personnel are free to decide whether, where and how they register to vote. The MOD works closely with the Electoral Commission to promote awareness among its people of the importance of registering to vote and of the options for doing so. Voter registration campaigns are run yearly within the MOD and the Department has seen a steady rise in the number of Armed Forces personnel who have declared they have registered. The latest version of the Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS, 2017) indicates that 96 per cent of Officers and 81 per cent of Other Ranks who completed the AFCAS were registered to vote. Table B22.1 of the AFCAS provides figures on voter registration by Service and by year from 2013. The Surveys can be found on the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/armed-forces-continuous-attitude-survey-index

HM Treasury

Surrogate Motherhood: Lone Parents

baroness young of hornsey: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the barriers to amending taxation requirements so that the permanent branding on corporate uniforms could be replaced with non-permanent branding.

baroness barker: Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the conclusion of the report by the Surrogacy UK Working Group on Surrogacy Law, Surrogacy in the UK: Myth bashing and reform, published in November 2015, whether they continue to support the inclusion of a review of the law on surrogacy in the Law Commission's 13th programme of law reform; and whether they will commit to their own review of the law on surrogacy if the Law Commission does not takethisforward.

baroness barker: Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Nicola Blackwood MP on 8 March (HC66737) and by Philip Dunne MP on 27 June (HC510), whether a remedial order to allow single parents to apply for a parental order following surrogacy will be laid before Parliament after the summer recess; and if so, whether that order will operate retrospectively once approved.

baroness barker: Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the conclusion of the report by the Surrogacy UK Working Group on Surrogacy Law, Surrogacy in the UK: Myth bashing and reform, published in November 2015, whether they continue to support the inclusion of a review of the law on surrogacy in the Law Commission's 13th programme of law reform; and whether they will commit to their own review of the law on surrogacy if the Law Commission does not takethisforward.

lord o'shaughnessy: It is the Government’s intention to lay the remedial order, which will allow single people to apply for a parental order in a surrogacy arrangement, after the summer recess. The order will include a provision to allow for retrospective application for a parental order by single people. The Government supports the inclusion of a review of surrogacy legislation in the Law Commission’s 13th programme of law reform. The Department has not made any alternative plans for a review of surrogacy but would consider options carefully, if, for any reason, the Law Commission decides not to proceed.

Cabinet Office

*No heading*

lord mawson: Her Majesty's Government what guidance is given by HM Treasury to government departments, agencies and public bodies on the time by which those departments, agencies and bodies should pay the invoices of small and medium sized enterprises.

lord young of cookham: Through the Public Contract Regulations 2015, public sector buyers must include 30-day payment terms in new public sector contracts; and require that this payment term be passed down the supply chain. Public sector buyers must also publish annually on their payment performance.In addition, central government departments are required to pay 80% of undisputed and valid invoices within 5 days, with the remainder paid within 30 days.

*No heading*

lord touhig: Her Majesty's Government when they intend to bring forward proposals to establish a Veterans Board in the Cabinet Office as outlined in their 2017 Manifesto.

lord young of cookham: Details of how the Board will be set up are currently being considered and will be announced in due course.

*No heading*

lord hunt of kings heath: Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to establish a register of research commissioned by Government departments.

lord young of cookham: We recognise the need to ensure government research is available and can be easily accessed.Departments can already publish research in a single place, the GOV.UK  website, and we are constantly improving this website to make it easier for users to find the information they need.

*No heading*

lord mawson: Her Majesty's Government what is their estimate of the average time period within which invoices issued by small and medium-sized enterprises are paid by public sector bodies in England; and what evidence they have for that estimate.

lord young of cookham: This information is not held centrally, but public sector buyers are required to publish annually on their payment performance.Central government departments are required to pay 80% of undisputed and valid invoices within 5 days, with the remainder paid within 30 days. Government departments publish performance against these targets on a quarterly basis on GOV.UK.Data published in 2015-16 shows that by the final quarter all major departments, apart from one (at 76%), were meeting their 5 days target and that all departments were paying at least 96% of their invoices within the 30 day target, with several departments achieving 100%.

Department for International Trade

*No heading*

lord adonis: Her Majesty's Government how many staff were employed by, or seconded to, the Department for International Trade on 1 July.

lord price: On 1 July 2017 the Department for International Trade, including UK Export Finance, employed and paid via payroll a total of 2,624 people. That total includes 1,268 people who are based overseas.

*No heading*

lord adonis: Her Majesty's Government what are the budgeted running costs of the Department for International Trade for 2017–18.

lord price: The Department for International Trade running costs budget for 2017–18 is £379.3m.

*No heading*

lord adonis: Her Majesty's Government what were the running costs for the Department for International Trade in 2016–17.

lord price: The Department for International Trade running costs for 2016-17 is £351m.This figure will be included in the Department's Annual Report & Accounts which will be published in due course.

*No heading*

marquess of lothian: Her Majesty's Government what is their estimate of the number of elite trade negotiators needed to broker trade deals following Brexit; and how many have been recruited to date.

lord price: I refer my Rt Hon. and learned Friend the Marquess of Lothian QC to the answer I gave to the noble Member Lord Adonis on 17/07/2017 (HL312).

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

*No heading*

lord harrison: Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to recognise chess and bridge as sports for the purpose of applying for funds provided by national sports organisations.

lord ashton of hyde: The process for the recognition of sports in the UK is a matter for the Sports Councils’ Recognition Panel which is made up of Sport England, Sport Wales, Sport Scotland, Sport Northern Ireland and UK Sport. The games of bridge and chess are not recognised as sports by any of the UK sports councils. There are no plans currently to revisit the question of recognition for either chess or bridge.

*No heading*

lord mawson: Her Majesty's Government what direct investment they made into library services in 2016–17.

lord ashton of hyde: The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport invested £4 million in 2016-17 in the Arts Council managed Libraries: Opportunities for Everyone innovation fund. This supports innovative public library service projects that benefit disadvantaged people and places in England. DCMS also invested in dedicated support for library services exploring an alternative delivery model (such as a public service mutual). This involved commissioning a consortium of existing library mutuals to produce a toolkit for the Libraries Taskforce on Alternative Delivery Models; running two Masterclasses (one in London and one in York); and providing grants to support library services undertaking detailed options appraisals through access to specialist technical advice.

*No heading*

lord mawson: Her Majesty's Government what (1) research they have commissioned, and (2) consultation they have undertaken, in relation to the role of library services in a digital age.

lord mawson: Her Majesty's Government what (1) research they have commissioned, and (2) consultation they have undertaken, in relation to the role of library services in a digital age.

lord mawson: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the appropriateness of the provision of library services in a digital age.

lord mawson: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the appropriateness of the provision of library services in a digital age.

lord ashton of hyde: The Libraries Taskforce, jointly established by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the Local Government Association, published Libraries Deliver: Ambition for Public Libraries in England 2016-2021 in December 2016. This strategy sets out 7 strategic Outcomes that libraries support, one of which is increasing digital access and literacy, and it highlights a range of initiatives through which libraries support digital skills, access, skills and related work. This document was produced following extensive consultation with the sector and stakeholders. The UK Digital Strategy also underlined the importance of libraries as a ‘go to provider’ for digital skills training.

*No heading*

lord mawson: Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to promote new approaches to library services; and what evidence they have of examples of innovative practice in this area in England.

lord ashton of hyde: The Government is committed to providing support for those library services that want to explore new approaches. The Libraries Taskforce’s Libraries Deliver: Ambition for Public Libraries in England 2016 to 2021 strategy document, good practice toolkits and blogs promote a range of examples of innovative practice already underway in libraries in England. These include alternative delivery models, income generation, partnerships and specific projects. The Libraries Taskforce has also run a number of workshops and masterclasses for the sector to build awareness of the options available and to share good practice. The £4m Libraries: Opportunities for Everyone innovation fund, managed by Arts Council England on behalf of DCMS, was set up to pilot library service projects that provide benefit disadvantaged people and places in England. These pilots will be tracked and evaluated, with a view to encouraging wider adoption and investment in those which prove most successful.

*No heading*

lord mawson: Her Majesty's Government what evidence they have of partnerships being created between library services and other local and public sector services.

lord ashton of hyde: The Libraries Taskforce’s Libraries Deliver: Ambition for Public Libraries in England 2016 to 2021 strategy document, good practice toolkits and blogs contain a range of examples of partnerships between library services and other local and public sector services. This includes partnership arrangements between local authorities (such as procurement consortia), as well as service delivery partnerships with other council services (such as One Stop Shops), adult and community education, local colleges, job centres, post offices, Citizens Advice Bureau, tourist information, cultural and health organisations. A range of partners also work with library services to deliver services and activities in a consistent way across the country through the Society of Chief Librarians’ Universal Offers.

Department of Health

*No heading*

lord pendry: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Health Foundation's recommendations in its Election Briefing: NHS and Social Care Funding, that (1) the level of NHS spending per person should, as a minimum, be maintained, and (2) health care funding should increase at least in line with the growth of GDP.

lord o'shaughnessy: National Health Service funding as announced in the 2015 Spending Review will see real terms rises in spend per head of 3.6% over the period 2015-16 to 2020-21 or an average of 0.7% in real terms per annum. NHS funding is planned to increase by 7.5% over the period 2015-16 to 2020-21 or an average of 1.5% in real terms per annum. The Government recognises that the delivery of a strong economy is of vital importance to enable sufficient funding for the future sustainability of the NHS.

*No heading*

lord alton of liverpool: Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Prior of Brampton on 19 December2016 (HL3794),and in the light of the Report on abortion statistics, England and Wales, 2016, published in June, which states that almost half of Ground E notifications are missing, how many cases have been investigated where registered medical practitioners were suspected of wilfully contravening or wilfully failing to comply with the requirements relating to section 1(1) of the Abortion Act 1967 in each of the past five years for which records are available; and how many such investigations have resulted in a summary conviction and fine.

lord o'shaughnessy: We continue to carefully monitor levels of under-reporting of abortions for fetal abnormality. Actions being taken include working directly with hospital staff to understand their specific challenges and help them find solutions to improve reporting of abortions. The Department, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the British Maternal and Fetal Health Medicine Society have written to all clinicians in fetal medicine units, antenatal screening midwives, and associated administrative staff to remind all doctors involved in abortion care of their legal responsibility under the Abortion Act 1967 and Abortion Regulations 1991 to submit form HSA4 within 14 days of the termination. The letter also provides practical examples from hospitals the Department has worked with to improve their reporting processes. We are not aware of any case where a registered medical practitioner has been investigated or convicted in the past five years of wilfully contravening or wilfully failing to comply with the notification requirements relating to section 1(1) of the Abortion Act 1967.

*No heading*

lord black of brentwood: Her Majesty's Government why data on the use of Guidance on Risk Assessment and Stroke Prevention for Atrial Fibrillation is no longer collected as part of the Medicines Optimisation Dashboard.

lord o'shaughnessy: NHS England has advised that as only 22% of general practice surgeries use this tool, and there are charges to the National Health Service for doing so, it was decided the tool was not appropriate as a metric in the Medicines Optimisation Dashboard.

*No heading*

lord black of brentwood: Her Majesty's Government what proportion of GP surgeries use (1) the Guidance on Risk Assessment and Stroke Prevention for Atrial Fibrillation tool, and (2) other tools, to audit the management of atrial fibrillation patients, broken down by clinical commissioning group, in each of the last five years for whichfigures are available.

lord o'shaughnessy: NHS England advises that the data requested is not collected in the format requested.

*No heading*

lord black of brentwood: Her Majesty's Government what proportion of patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation are treated with (1) anticoagulant therapy, and (2) antiplatelet therapy, broken down by clinical commissioning group,in each of the last five years for whichfigures are available.

lord o'shaughnessy: The information requested is not held centrally.

*No heading*

baroness hayter of kentish town: Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to convert EU Regulation 178/2002 into UK law; and, if so, whether arrangements have been made to replace the European Food Safety Authority's role in research, data collection, risk prevention and crisis management in the food industry.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Repeal Bill will convert European Union law into United Kingdom law where appropriate; it aims to maximise certainty for individuals and businesses as we leave the EU. EU Regulation 178/2002 is being considered as part of this exercise. Departments are currently working to understand the impacts that withdrawal from the EU will have across a number of areas; the European Food Safety Authority will form part of this work.

*No heading*

lord lester of herne hill: Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the benefits and costs to the UK of membership of the European Food Safety Authority.

lord o'shaughnessy: Departments are currently working to understand the impacts that withdrawal from the European Union will have across a number of areas, including understanding the costs and benefits derived from membership of EU agencies; this work includes the European Food Safety Authority.

*No heading*

the countess of mar: Her Majesty's Government who were the experts the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence consulted in their recent review of Clinical Guideline CG 53 for chronic fatigue syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis: diagnosis and management.

lord o'shaughnessy: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) routinely consults a range of topic experts as part of its surveillance review process. NICE is currently consulting on a review proposal for its clinical guideline on the diagnosis and management of chronic fatigue syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis. NICE does not routinely publish the names of topic experts as they are not part of the decision making process for the surveillance review.

*No heading*

baroness barker: Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Nicola Blackwood MP on 8 March (HC66737) and by Philip Dunne MP on 27 June (HC510), whether a remedial order to allow single parents to apply for a parental order following surrogacy will be laid before Parliament after the summer recess; and if so, whether that order will operate retrospectively once approved.

baroness barker: Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Nicola Blackwood MP on 8 March (HC66737) and by Philip Dunne MP on 27 June (HC510), whether a remedial order to allow single parents to apply for a parental order following surrogacy will be laid before Parliament after the summer recess; and if so, whether that order will operate retrospectively once approved.

baroness barker: Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the conclusion of the report by the Surrogacy UK Working Group on Surrogacy Law, Surrogacy in the UK: Myth bashing and reform, published in November 2015, whether they continue to support the inclusion of a review of the law on surrogacy in the Law Commission's 13th programme of law reform; and whether they will commit to their own review of the law on surrogacy if the Law Commission does not takethisforward.

baroness barker: Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the conclusion of the report by the Surrogacy UK Working Group on Surrogacy Law, Surrogacy in the UK: Myth bashing and reform, published in November 2015, whether they continue to support the inclusion of a review of the law on surrogacy in the Law Commission's 13th programme of law reform; and whether they will commit to their own review of the law on surrogacy if the Law Commission does not takethisforward.

lord o'shaughnessy: It is the Government’s intention to lay the remedial order, which will allow single people to apply for a parental order in a surrogacy arrangement, after the summer recess. The order will include a provision to allow for retrospective application for a parental order by single people. The Government supports the inclusion of a review of surrogacy legislation in the Law Commission’s 13th programme of law reform. The Department has not made any alternative plans for a review of surrogacy but would consider options carefully, if, for any reason, the Law Commission decides not to proceed.

*No heading*

lord eames: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of thelevel of suicide among teenagers in the UK.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Office for National Statistics publishes annual statistics on suicide registrations for the United Kingdom, including age-specific suicide rates by five-year age groups. A table attached provides statistics for suicides in people aged 10-14 and 15-19 in the UK between 1981 and 2015, the latest data available, is attached due to the size of the data. The Department leads delivery of the Cross-Government Suicide Prevention Strategy for England. Suicide prevention is a devolved matter in other UK countries. The National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness, which is commissioned by NHS England and supported by the Department, published a thematic review in 2016, Suicide by Children and Young People in England. The report identified ten common themes relating to suicides by people under 20 years of age: - family factors such as mental illness;- abuse and neglect;- bereavement and experience of suicide;- bullying;- suicide-related internet use;- academic pressures, especially related to exams;- social isolation or withdrawal;- physical health conditions that may have social impact;- alcohol and illicit drugs; and- mental ill health, self-harm and suicidal ideas. 



Suicides in UK 1981-2015 10-19 year olds
(Word Document, 25.44 KB)

*No heading*

the countess of mar: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the chronic fatigue syndrome myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) clinical services which were set up between 2004 and 2006; what proportion of patients accessing services recover from ME/CFS or show signs of improvement; and what assessment they have made of the value for money of these services.

lord o'shaughnessy: No central assessment has been made of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) clinical services established between 2004 and 2006. The commissioning of services for people with CFS/ME is a local matter, and the management of patients within such services is the responsibility of the commissioners, providers and clinicians responsible for their care. Clinical commissioning groups have a duty to exercise their functions effectively, efficiently and economically Since its publication in 2007, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) clinical guideline on the management of CFS/ME in adults and children, which set outs best practice on the care, treatment and support of people with the condition, has supported the local National Health Service in delivering services for people with the condition. The guidance recognises the challenges in managing a condition for which there is no definitive diagnostic test, no clear understanding of the causes and process of disease and no cure. The guidance is also clear that there is no one form of treatment to suit every patient and that treatment and care should take into account the personal needs and preferences of the patient. NICE is currently reviewing the guidance to ensure it reflects the latest available evidence and a decision regarding this matter is expected shortly.

*No heading*

the countess of mar: Her Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to set up an independent review of ME/CFS services which includes an epidemiological study to establish the true incidence of ME/CFS in the population and the impact of the shortage of doctors trained in this specialism; and, if not, why not.

lord o'shaughnessy: There are no plans to set up an independent review of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) services. Services for patients with CFS/ME are supported by independent, evidence-based guidance produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence on the diagnosis, treatment and support of patients with the condition. Commissioners should deliver services that meet the needs of local popuations. Assessments of service need for CFS/ME may be supported by the available population prevalence estimates as required.

*No heading*

baroness taylor of bolton: Her Majesty's Government how many ectopic pregnancies have been treated in each of the last 10 years, broken down by NHS regions in England.

lord o'shaughnessy: The data requested cannot be provided by National Health Service region as regional boundaries have changed during this period. A table showing finished admissions episodes with a primary diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy by Government Office Region has been attached due to the size of the data.



Finished admissions episodes ectopic pregnancy
(Word Document, 28.49 KB)

*No heading*

lord bradley: Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to prepare a strategy for prisoners with dementia; and if so, when it will be published.

lord o'shaughnessy: There are currently no plans to develop a specific strategy for prisoners with dementia. The Challenge on Dementia 2020 sets out the Government’s ambition to follow up timely diagnosis with greater access to support for people with dementia, increase public awareness and create more dementia friendly public and private organisations and communities across all settings. Health services in prisons are commissioned by NHS England and implementing specialist dementia services across appropriate prison settings is one of its commissioning intentions for 2017-18.

*No heading*

lord beecham: Her Majesty's Government whether they have abandoned the Health Premium approach to funding part of the public health responsibilities of local government; and if so, why.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Health Premium Incentive Scheme was a pilot exercise carried out in 2014/15. The Government currently has no plans to implement a similar scheme.

*No heading*

lord farmer: Her Majesty's Government how much funding was allocated in 2016–17 to treat alcohol addiction in prisons.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Department does not hold this information.

*No heading*

lord black of brentwood: Her Majesty's Government how many individuals infected with blood contaminated by hepatitis C or HIV in the 1970s and 1980s remain alive.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Department does not hold this information.

*No heading*

lord lucas: Her Majesty's Government how much the NHS pays for a one year supply of Apomorphine for a patient with Parkinson's Disease; how much they estimate it costs to manufacture a year's supply of that drug; what assessment they have made of the difficulties of manufacturing Apomorphine to clinical standards; and whether they intend to take any steps to reduce the cost of that drug to the NHS.

lord o'shaughnessy: The drug cost to the National Health Service for a one year supply of Apomorphine for a patient with Parkinson's Disease is estimated to be in the region of £5,300 and £9,000, based on the usual daily dose of 3 – 30mg. However, the maximum daily is 100mg, so the annual cost for some patient’s treatment may be higher.We have no estimate of the cost of manufacture. We are not aware of any particular issues relating to the manufacture of this drug. Pharmaceutical companies participate in either the voluntary pharmaceutical price regulation scheme (PPRS) or the statutory medicines price regulation scheme, both of which regulate the cost of medicines to the NHS. Products covered by the statutory scheme are subject to a 15% cut to their list price. Companies in the PPRS pay a percentage of sales to the Government when growth in NHS spending on medicines exceeds an agreed level. NHS purchasers may also negotiate discounts with pharmaceutical companies in addition to national price regulation.